WITH its proven track record of successfully hosting music festivals over the years, it is only a matter of time before Sarawak becomes the host of international concerts.
One of the most notable instances was the Konsert Rakyat held on July 22 as part of the 60th Sarawak Independence Day celebrations.
The concert attracted over 30,000 attendees in a single night and featured some of the biggest names in the Malaysian music industry, including Joe Flizzow, Dolla, Awie, and the Indonesian music band Ungu.
This successful event has led many to believe that such high attendance for concerts can be replicated in the future, with some even expecting an even larger audience.
While it is undeniable that there is still a long way to go, the ongoing rapid development pursued by the state government suggests that it may not take much time to achieve this goal.
In the final part of this series, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, shares his thoughts on the necessary steps to reach for the stars.
Expanding Sarawak’s Music Events
“For starters, Snowdan believes that other cities in Sarawak, such as Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu, could also serve as excellent locations for hosting international concerts.”
“Our aim is not only to promote Kuching but also other cities within the state,” Snowdan explained. “Sarawak is not solely about Kuching. Our motto, ‘Sarawak, More to Discover,’ emphasises that when tourists visit our state, they have the opportunity to explore and experience other parts of it.”
The Borneo Jazz Festival in Miri and the Borneo Cultural Festival in Sibu are among the successful international events that have been held in other cities within Sarawak.
Snowdan added, “These festivals, along with other events, demonstrate the potential for those cities to become hosts for international concerts.”
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Sarawak’s Future Blueprint Revealed
Snowdan explained that one of the plans currently in development is the construction of the second Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK 2).
BCCK 2 will be an expansion of the current convention centre (BCCK) and will accommodate more than 10,000 people while still maintaining its world-class function facilities.
“I remember visiting Jakarta recently, and one of its convention centres, the Indonesia Convention Centre (ICE), is among the largest in the country. I hope we can see the same in Sarawak in the future. Of course, we will continue to upgrade the available facilities to achieve the highest quality,” he said.
Snowdan added that the autonomous rapid transit (ART) system, which is also in its developmental stage, will further improve public transportation in the state.
“I believe that with the ART coming soon, not only will it boost the quality of public transportation here, but also the public and tourists can enjoy the facility once it is ready,” he added.
According to Snowdan, the state is also working on improving direct flight connectivity.
“With the state’s takeover of MASwings and the future airline that is in development, I hope that flight connectivity will improve further.”
Projected Multi-Sector Gains
Snowdan explained that various industries would benefit from events such as international concerts in Sarawak.
“In the past, when other international events were held in Sarawak, many industries benefitted from them. But with international concerts featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry, we have no doubt that hotels, food and beverage, and public transport industries will gain even more significant benefits.
“When tourists come to see their favourite artists in a concert, they will stay at our hotels, which will be fully booked. After the concert, they may extend their stay to explore Sarawak further, enjoying our delicious cuisine. They will remember their experience when they return to their home country,” he stated.
The craft industry is another industry that will benefit from such events. Snowdan added that tourists would purchase craft products offered by Sarawak.
Hospitable Rules for Worldwide Performers
Snowdan pointed out that Sarawak has its own set of regulations and rules when it comes to international artists performing in the region.
He noted that while Sarawak is open-minded and flexible towards certain aspects of the performers, they should not take this as a free pass to disregard the freedom that has been granted to them.
Snowdan emphasized that it is important for the artists to demonstrate respect towards the culture and values of the places they perform in.
Furthermore, Snowdan mentioned that even though the federal government may introduce new rules and regulations in the future, Sarawak will continue to adhere to its existing regulations.
He explained that Sarawak does not want to be overly strict towards the artists, and wants them to feel comfortable and welcome when they perform in the region. He added that Sarawak is known for its hospitality and hopes that artists will have a positive experience performing there.
Reassured Aid for Affected Ventures
The recent Good Vibes Festival, which was scheduled to take place in Malaya, was cancelled following the 1975 controversy, and this had a significant impact on the businesses involved in the festival.
“We understand how unfortunate it is when an event is cancelled. Not only are performers affected because they cannot perform, but also the businesses that had planned to sell their products during the event,” said the spokesperson.
“I can assure you that we will assist the affected businesses in whatever they need. However, I hope and pray that such incidents will not happen in the future,” he added.
Concert Hub Goals
On the question of whether the big turnout at the recent Konsert Rakyat can be replicated in the future, Snowdan has no doubts.
“But one must understand that the concert was held in an open space, and I am guessing that there were more than the supposed 30,000 people at the concert. Nevertheless, I believe that, based on what we have seen so far, we can reach that level in the future,” he said.
“This is because we have what it takes to be the main hub for international concerts. We have enough facilities, proper accommodation, and huge stadiums that can cater to a large audience.
“The only thing that we need to do is to continue to upgrade and improve all the things that we have.
“In particular, with the stadiums that we have, I really hope that once they are upgraded for the upcoming Malaysia Games 2024, they will not only be used for sports events but also for future international concerts.”
Snowdan cited neighbouring Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines as examples of countries that can be emulated.
“If you go to their countries, you will see why big international artists love to perform there. Their hospitality is great, and their facilities are outstanding, to name a few,” he added.
He reiterated that Sarawak will eventually achieve such aspirations, one way or another.
“We will see where we are in the next few years, with the development projects that we have right now. But I have no doubt that we will reach that level,” he said.
